RB Rodney Anderson Out For 2016 Season Due To Neck Injury

Image via Tulsa World

Bob Stoops announced Friday afternoon that running back Rodney Anderson will miss the upcoming 2016 season after suffering a neck injury during Thursday’s scrimmage. It’s the second straight year an injury will cost Anderson a season after he suffered a broken leg in the Tennessee game this past year.

And while running back is one of the deepest positions on this OU roster, Anderson had drawn rave reviews for his work throughout the spring and summer with expectation of considerable playing time this season.

One would expect Anderson being out will only increase the chances of both senior Daniel Brooks and true freshman Abdul Adams, who has also been praised by the coaches during fall camp, receive the carries Anderson would have been given.

155 Comments

  • Canada_KB says:

    Nooooooo. That sucks. Feel for the kid

  • jimintexas says:

    I feel so sorry for Rodney. He seems to be such a great team player

  • Defend Colfax says:

    Well ****

    • bommer85 says:

      terrible for the guy obvi…but how long does an injury like this take to recover from physically, and mentally? because its a possibility we lose both mixon and perine this year, do they now look at the possibility of another RB in SS17?

    • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

      No jinxes man. That was the right call; and technically you did not post your comment until after the injury occurred.

  • Brent says:

    Is this career threatening?

  • Krys Allen says:

    Man what a bummer… Did he get a medical RS last year? Really hope he holds up mentally and comes back with a vengeance next season.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      Couldn’t have gotten one last year. Have to miss significant part of two years. Definitely qualifies now.

  • Scott says:

    Hopefully he has a speedy recovery.

  • OmorganU says:

    Feel really bad for the kid. Having to deal with an injury all last year only to be injured again. Hope that this injury doesnt affect him for a long time.

  • Kelt817 says:

    Bummer! Love this kid and hope he comes back even stronger!

  • Kidd227 says:

    Feel terrible for this young man. Hope he can keep his spirits up. Praying for you RA!

  • RBear says:

    drag, heal up

  • jaobryan1 says:

    I really feel bad for him, hope he gets well soon! When I heard he was running through people in practice I knew Mike’s Defense wasn’t just laying down, but didn’t expect this

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Dammit. Really feel bad for him. Prayers for a recovery

    • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

      Get it and worry about using it (or not using it) later. In truth, I hope he does not have to use a sixth year (even if he gets it) because that would mean that he bounces back and things work out well for him.

    • Maranatha846 says:

      I would say now a more pertinent question would be will he ever play again. A neck injury that requires missing an entire season is a serious issue. Most Drs would recommend he never play again. Neck injuries are far worse than any other. Risk is not worth the reward.

  • ALar03 says:

    I really feel for the young man.. Hope he heals up all the way, he will have his time to shine

  • Hotrod33 says:

    I hope he is ok and it isn’t serious enough too keep him from playing anymore. Just wish him a full recovery and hope he can play next year. Praying for Mr. Anderson.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Hang in there Rodney, we need you and Adams to continue the Perine / Mixon duo.

  • CrimsonGhost says:

    So sad to hear this. Sounds significant if they have already ruled out coming back this season. Prayers for Rodney for a speedy recovery.

  • cush creekmont says:

    Dang (and a lot of worse words)!
    First hope he can fully recover. Hope he keeps his spirits up.
    Hope the full recovery is faster than thought. Hope he can come back and play.

    Speedy recovery fellow Sooner – we ALL hate the bad luck you’ve had and hope the future is great for you!

  • Jpsooner23 says:

    Hate it for what seems to be a great kid, get well soon bud

  • Boom says:

    This is a shame for the young man. Busting his tail to get where is he and then 2 injuries in a row. Hope he can come back from this neck injury.

    As far as depth, we not deep IMO. Outside our our two main guys, we have a Fr & a RS Sr who hasn’t played much. If for some reason either of or 1A or 1B goes down or both which happened last year, we will be hurting. Bummer news for Anderson and the fans.

    • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

      Obviously, felt much more comfortable with Rodney in the fold. Brooks has significant time, both in the program and in actual play. Would not sell him short.

      • Boom says:

        I agree but go back and watch the TCU game when both Mix/Perine went out. Bottom line, he was ineffective in the game. Your going from 2 pro draft picks to a guy who hasn’t seen much of the field in 5 years. On top of that, you have a true freshman. Not saying Abdul can’t run but blocking & picking up blitzes is what I worry about. Outside of those guys, who?

        • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

          But TCU had much, much more to do with Trev than with Brooks. We march with Perine, Mixon, Brooks and Abdul. If we get in a real pinch we move Flowers in the backfield. Those are our guys; that is who we have. Do not know many who have a proven better back 3 deep or a Flowers to rely on five deep.

          • Boom says:

            I guess I’m spoiled with 1A & 1B. Good call on Flowers and we would prolly use 4 WRs more too.

          • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

            I have a feeling that Flowers would completely welcome any increased role. =^) Absolutely on 4 wide.

          • Boom says:

            Yep and enjoy your reading your comments on the board.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            When Riley first came there was a lot of discussion on his use of backs. Seems his base offense is kind of a 1.5 back set. Sometimes he uses two RB’s and other times he uses a RB and an H back like Flowers. We recruited another H back in ’17 in Jeremiah Hall so there is some obvious intent to use that position in the future. We use a lot more 2 RB sets right now because our #2 running back is a first round NFL talent and we want him on the field.

          • Boom says:

            Good summary

          • Jpsooner23 says:

            If o line does it right ANY of those guys can do damage (yes that if scares me too)

    • Jpsooner23 says:

      Not too worried there if just one of the horses has issue, brooks is more than capable change of pace and true frosh backs can go off more than any other position.

      • Boom says:

        I get it JP and like your stuff. But losing RA was a huge blow in multiple ways.

        • Jpsooner23 says:

          I here ya man. More than anything I hate a kid not getting to display what he is capable of.

          For some reason though I think double A could be a serious weapon very soon. We will find out faster than we had hoped now though.

          • Scott says:

            I think OU can use Flowers in the run game if they need to.

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Absolutely.

          • Boom says:

            Why aren’t you still fixing stuff at the ranch? 😉

          • Sooner Ray says:

            It’s Friday evening and there is beer to consume. 🙂 The fixing will still be there tomorrow.

          • Boom says:

            Went on a guided fishing trip so up at 4am and fished till 4pm. Great time with my son. We slayed them but it’s miller time for me too.

          • Sooner Ray says:

            That’s awesome.

          • Boom says:

            91 in 4 hours is three different spots. 11 Stripper & the rest were White Bass or in Oklahoma, Sand bass. Going back at end of September for the Stripper run.

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Striper and white bass (sandies) make for a great fishing day if they are hitting. I am curious about this stripper run though, that could get expensive if they dance all day. :-0

          • Boom says:

            Well, I guess I will have to borrow Larry the Cable Guys line if that is the case. They can dance all day, I will pay with fake money because I will be looking at fake ……………..

          • Boom says:

            BTW, we is Gary and are we still meeting at the hill next Saturday?

          • Sooner Ray says:

            I have no idea Boom. Last I heard from him was the day he posted on here about maybe getting something planned. Been crickets since.

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Yes planning on the 27th from 1-5 on the Hill. Went to Colorado for a few days then a small operation for cancer. Have a list I will post later today. Was waiting on a Open post. Seems like lots of posters within 50 miles of Skiatook. I will post some names later. You have to be there I hope. Boom was trying to get here plus Sooner Oracle and Dusting.

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Ok, not sure there will be an OP today but whenever you see a good time, post it up and see who’s interested. As far as I know I would be able to drive out that way for a while.

          • Gary Robbins says:

            yes. Went up to Colorado for a few days then had a small operation for cancer. Planning on the 27th from 1-5 on the Hill.. Sooner Ray, Sooner Oracle 737, and Dustin are all interested. I was waiting on an Open post as I have a list of posters within about 50 miles of Skiatook that would be interested. It’s always nice to put a face to a name.

          • Boom says:

            Well Ok and I’ll be up there and hope to have other rally. Thx

    • ALar03 says:

      Perine comes off ankle surgery and mixon got knocked out in the game against clemson.. Injuries happen But our players have suffered a couple of the injuries you worry about in the long run for a rb..

  • ND52 says:

    Do we taken another RB in this recruiting cycle now?

  • Indy_sooner says:

    Damn. The young man can’t catch a break. Godspeed and 100% recovery. Hope he’s back for the natty

  • ⚡️Electric Sooner⚡️ says:

    Hopefully it doesn’t turn out to be career ending, praying for a ?% recovery!!

  • Maverick says:

    This really sucks. Not the news I was hoping to see today. Feel terrible for him.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Oh man, what a bummer. Wishing Rodney a full and speedy recovery. Feel so bad for him.

  • John Garner says:

    Tough loss. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

  • Bob Edwards says:

    Well crap.

  • Chris White says:

    Does anyone know when OU will release their official depth chart?

  • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

    Hang in there Rodney. Feel terrible for this kid. Just a tough, tough draw.

  • SWoods says:

    Feel awful for the young man. Two consecutive seasons with major injuries is tough. Prayers for him, hope he recovers quickly.

  • Boom says:

    Based on what has happened to me with my neck, I’m really curious as to what type of injury he sustained.

  • PLAW0720 says:

    So sad for this young man – really bad news . Prayers up for Rodney

  • SoonerMagic76 says:

    Well shoot. Prayers for him to heal well

  • Dana Rogers says:

    I don’t have the words. Prayers young man.

  • RVNVET6869 says:

    What a tough turn of events for a great kid. Prayers to you Rodney, your family and the Sooner team. Hang in there, get well soon.

  • Jed says:

    Beaming good thoughts his way. What a drag for him.

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Man, that’s rough. Wishing him well.

  • 22dupree says:

    Hate this news for the team and most of all for Rodney. Kid worked his butt off to be a factor this year and to have this happen is tough. Wishing Rodney a full and speedy recovery and that he’ll be displaying his talent, ability and OUDNA on the field soon!

  • OceanDescender says:

    Wishing for the best case recovery for Rodney. Nobody will be able to beat his mental acumen for the game by the time he gets back for 2017.

  • Daryl says:

    Man poor kid just can’t catch a break. Prayers for him.

  • j l says:

    Damnit man…hope its not career threatening. Get better soon RA.

  • SoCalSooner says:

    tough break for the kid….really feel for him. Hope it’s nothing too serious and he makes a successful comeback. We certainly could have used him this year. Running backs take a lot of hits and its not likely both SP and JM will make it through the year unscathed. Come on AA and DB!!!!

  • SoCalSooner says:

    tough break for the kid….really feel for him. Hope it’s nothing too serious and he makes a successful comeback. We certainly could have used him this year. Running backs take a lot of hits and its not likely both SP and JM will make it through the year unscathed. Come on AA and DB!!!!

  • Stephen Dale says:

    Losing Anderson could / should open the door to recruiting another HS rb …….

  • Stephen Dale says:

    Losing Anderson could / should open the door to recruiting another HS rb …….

  • Oscar says:

    I’m sure it is devastating to him. Only wish him a speedy recovery and many prayers.

  • Wilson says:

    Damn…hang in there kid. Get healed up soon. Your health is most important.

  • albsooner says:

    Poor guy….neck injuries are a scary thing. Hope he heals well.

  • Jason Vos says:

    There is no good in this, but at least it happened at the start of the season, so he has a full year to recover and come back better than b4

  • Jason Vos says:

    There is no good in this, but at least it happened at the start of the season, so he has a full year to recover and come back better than b4

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    That’s a sad deal. Praying for this young man to heal and remain strong emotionally.

  • Tim A says:

    Very disheartening for him. Hope he sticks with it. I was really looking forward to watching him play and was expecting him to really help. Hope this isn’t a sign of injury bug to come. Prayers to Rodney.

  • Birddawg says:

    Damn man! I was hoping to see him in real action.
    Recover well Rodney!
    We def need you next year!!

  • Birddawg says:

    Damn man! I was hoping to see him in real action.
    Recover well Rodney!
    We def need you next year!!

  • jmshake says:

    Heart breaking. Speedy recovery Rodney.

  • Mark_in_VA says:

    Just devastating for Anderson. I feel absolutely horrible for him.

    Here’s hoping he becomes a Jason White success story after 2 major blows, 2 years in a row. Hang in there, Rodney! I’ve been looking forward to seeing what you can do on the field since you first became a Sooner.

  • Antwan says:

    Wow, heartbreaking, was looking forward to seeing him.

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    Man this really sucks. I feel so bad for this young man. Thank god we are absolutely stacked at RB and always have. Prayers for him and a speedy recovery.

  • hOUligan says:

    Just feel bad for Rodney. Period. I hope he fully recovers no matter what else.

  • hOUligan says:

    Just feel bad for Rodney. Period. I hope he fully recovers no matter what else.

  • Sith Lawd says:

    I couldn’t care less how stacked we are at running back in this case. I just hope the Rodney is okay. I know how scary neck injuries can be. Praying he has a safe, complete recovery.

  • drew T says:

    Feel terrible for Rodney. Gifted athlete that at the end of the day has to live with all these injuries whenever his playing career is over. Hope he has a full recovery

  • phatbuddy says:

    Had the pleasure of seeing Rodney play in highschool really feel bad for him great young man, hoping for a speedy recovery.Boomer!! Also I really enjoy reading the post from you guys, hope to be part of the discussion this season, I am here in SAN Antonio TX but I bleed Crimsonandcream. Sooner till I die. Boomer…..

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Stick around, should be a good year.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Welcome! I found this site about three years ago. Nothing like It!

      • Stephen Dale says:

        this is a very good site frequented by knowledgeable mods and many good posters……..really enjoy the comments and differing viewpoints……

    • Johnaeblanchard3 says:

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    • Stephen Dale says:

      THE question about Anderson –or anybody else with a cervical injury–is to what degree will they heal and , secondly, how much risk is involved with a return to competitive football….if there is any degree of risk of disability, i’ll be surprised if OU and Stoops would allow such a return….quality of life / use of all limbs is THE most important issue –not passes caught or TD’s scored…….if there is an error to make, make it on the side of safety and put Anderson on a medical scholarship…

      • DR LEO MARVIN says:

        From some one who raced professional motocross for three seasons I would say with the right treatment Anderson will be ok. Time will tell I have had a bunch of neck injuries.

      • BackWhenOUBoysCabbagePatched says:

        “quality of life / use of all limbs is THE most important issue” Absolutely right. Not even close. Get healthy, go from there (wherever that takes him).

        • Margaretdjudge3 says:

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  • PLAW0720 says:

    Rodney, just remember, another Sooner great suffered through injuries his fist couple of years before going to win that stiff arm trophy. Our prayers are with you and here is to a speedy and full recovery!

  • soonermusic says:

    What a huge bummer..:-( Neck injury…out for a whole season. That just can’t be good, any way you look at it.
    Here’s to a solid and complete recovery. I hope that he will, in the meantime, take full advantage of all educational opportunities afforded him.

  • officially known as number 2 says:

    Sorry about Rodney.

  • bigrackhunter says:

    Luckily this is the one position we are LOADED at. Best of luck and wish a speedy healing process, but he will get his chance next year.

  • Johnaeblanchard3 says:

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  • Walter Sobcek says:

    Some people get more than their share of bad luck. Hope he is abe to give it another try next year.

  • SoonerOracle737 says:

    Get well soon Rodney!

  • Dick Bump says:

    I feel bad for Rodney. I hope he can get his body back in shape similar to the recovery AD made. From a selfish standpoint, he was one of the players I was most looking forward to seeing him on the field this year. Get healthy soon.

  • Cole G. Dixon says:

    Man that sucks

  • JrsySooner says:

    Although I feel bad for him it helps us to not rely on a guy who is injury prone . .not being insensitive don’t take out of context . It’s good for him as well imagine 3/4 into the season and this happens ..he gets another year to bulk up study the team I think this a blessing
    That wiil be helpful later…hes in my prayers it hurts but hurts more going into the season

    • DCinAZ says:

      In all fairness, the two guys we’re currently starting were injury prone last season. We needed Anderson healthy for that reason alone and I think that’s why he and Adams were getting so many reps.

      • Rob says:

        There is no such thing as a running back that is not injury prone. Every running back is one hard hit or freak play away from an injury. That’s why you need 3 or 4 solid backs. Just like in the Clemson game, Perine and Mixon both go down, I knew it was over then.

  • SemperfiSooner says:

    Was really looking forward to seeing what this young man was going to to add to the offense this year. Praying for his recovery and future health.

  • michael hammond says:

    Abdul Adams really reminds me of Billy Sims, shifty with speed and power. we’ll be seeing alot of this kid. Best wishes to Rodney, hope he recovers fully.

  • RBear says:

    SIAP… Did Rodney receive a medical redshirt last year?

    • SoonerinLondon says:

      Yes.

      • RBear says:

        Thanks- I hate it when kids have such runs of bad luck. Hopefully he’ll heal up quickly and have a normal life first, be healthy enough to contribute as a Sooner second.

        • SoonerinLondon says:

          I think that BS said there was no risk of paralysis. Hopefully, that means he’ll be good to go next year and the rest of his life.

          • Dick Bump says:

            I hope he fully recovers with no increased risk of further injury. If so, there shouldn’t be any effects on his speed, escape ability, or any of those football type skills.

  • smelda pharts says:

    curious about the injury, is this something that is possibly career ending? Prayers sent

  • JJSoona says:

    Best of luck to you Rodney. Take your time. Make sure you’re right. For fans, the best things in life are worth waiting for. God bless.

  • HoustonChiver says:

    This poor kid has no luck, I hope he recovers quickly

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Dang Trey Millard getting carted off for KC

  • OUhound says:

    We have to stay healthy and undefeated through Texas. If so, it’s over and we go back to the playoffs.

  • OUhound says:

    We have to stay healthy and undefeated through Texas. If so, it’s over and we go back to the playoffs.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Just watched an interview with Bob, doesn’t expect the injury to go beyond this season.

  • Margaretdjudge3 says:

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